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Bill C-168 Overview

How it relates to Robbery & Truck Hijacking Incidents in the Ontario Workplace?

New Legislation Tackles Workplace Violence and Harassment

Bill 168, an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters, will significantly impact workplaces in the province of Ontario.
The amendments to the Act will come into force on June 15, 2010, at which time, workplaces in Ontario where more than five workers are regularly employed will be required to have the necessary policies, programs, measures and procedures in place.

* Employers are required to complete a risk assessment of violence hazards that may arise from the nature of the workplace, the type of work, or the conditions of work, before developing a program.
Bill 168 adopts an approach similar to other federal and provincial violence and harassment laws by

providing clarity around employer accountability;

taking a process-driven, "how-to" approach to compliance;

sending a "take action" message to supervisors and middle-managers.

Bill 168 definition of workplace violence

Under Bill 168, workplace violence is defined as:

"The exercise of physical force by a person against a worker in a workplace that causes or could cause physical injury to a worker"

"An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker in a workplace that could cause physical injury to a worker"

"A statement or behaviour that is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker"

Just how widespread is workplace violence?

From April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009, Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors made 417 field visits and issued 351 orders related to violence in the workplace (MOL, 2009)

In 2007, there were 2,150 allowed lost-time claims from assaults, violent acts, harassment and acts of war or terrorism in Ontario. (WSIB, 2007)

According to the 2004 General Social Survey, 17% of all self-reported incidents of violent victimization, including sexual assault, robbery and physical assault, happened at the workplace. This represents over 356,000 violent workplace incidents in Canada. (StatCan, 2007)

There is evidence that violence has increased in Canadian workplaces over the past five years: 66% of organizations report an increase in aggressive acts within their workplaces. And, 82% report an increase in both formal incident reports and grievances. (CIWV, 2000)

Who's at risk

The risk of workplace violence is greater in work activities that involve:

working in a community-based setting

working with unstable or volatile clients

handling cash

mobile workplaces

contact with clients

working in high crime areas

securing / protecting valuables

transporting people and / or goods

working alone in small numbers

What's the impact of workplace violence?

Workplace violence affects the health, safety and security of employees, supervisors and employers.

Harm to victims

The emotional and physical trauma to victims, their families and co-workers has immeasurable personal costs.